J’AIME SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

S E P T / O C T 2 0 2 3
J’AIME
Y O U R L O C A L L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
Creating
cosy:
the autumn interiors trends
you need to know
Time to
invest:
wardrobe pieces
to last through
the seasons
THE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL
BALLET COMPANY CHAMPIONING
DANCERS WITH DISABILITIES

CO N T E N T S
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Author GJ Phelps - The award-winning Sutton
Coldfield editor-turned-author on his spinetingling
debut
10 Friends of Wylde Green Train Station - How a
community group have adopted their local
station to encourage people back onto the
trains
16 Competition - Win a £100 voucher for Nippon
E-Bikes
18 Interiors - Autumn’s earthiest hues
24 Interiors - Creating a book nook
27 Curborough Craft Centre - Independent
shopping at its best
30 Birmingham Royal Ballet - Freefall’s unique
vision for dancers with disabilities
34 Food and drink - Seasonal food ideas from
Dubberley Delicious
38 Competition - Win tickets to Jurassic Park in
Concert, plus a signed movie score
40 What’s On - The best events around the
Midlands this autumn
44 Fashion - Invest in your wardrobe
46 Beauty - Combat dry skin with Heaven
Skincare’s Deborah Mitchell
47 In the news - Luxury for your littlest VIPs with
The Luxury Event Creche
48 In the news - A family-run service at Jukes
Funerals
50 In the news - A successful year for Davisons
Law
4
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Welcome to J’AIME
We love a good spooky read here at J’AIME HQ,
especially at this time of year when the nights are just
starting to draw in and there’s the hint of Halloween
on the horizon. So we were delighted to discover 13
Doors, the debut novel by none other than awardwinning
Sutton Coldfield journalist and editor - and
a former colleague of Team J’AIME - GJ Phelps.
The novel follows news reporter Joe Baxter on his
spooky quest to stay in 13 haunted places - and takes
in some settings which local readers will find familiar.
We caught up with the author to discover more about
what’s behind 13 Doors.
And it may not be a spooky film, but those
velociraptors were certainly terrifying! That’s right -
Jurassic Park celebrates its 30th anniversary this year,
and in honour of the blockbuster’s milestone, Jurassic
Park will be shown on the big screen accompanied
by a full orchestra playing composer John Williams’
iconic score. We’ve got a pair of tickets to Jurassic Park
in Concert in Birmingham to give away to one lucky
reader, as well as a signed page from the movie’s score.
Elsewhere, we chat to Birmingham Royal Ballet’s head
of creative learning, Lee Fisher, about the unique
Freefall dance company, which provides opportunities
for talented dancers with learning disabilities, and
we catch up with a Wylde Green community group
who are looking to regenerate local train stations and
encourage people back onto the rails for sustainable
travel.
With all of your usual food, fashion, beauty and
interiors favourites too, we’ve got a packed issue for
you to enjoy.
If you enjoy what you read in this issue, then why not
help us to spread the word? As well as being delivered
directly to homes in selected postcodes across the
area, you can pick J’AIME up free of charge in major
supermarkets around the Midlands, as well as read the
whole thing - and plenty more! - online at
www.jaimemagazine.com
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JACK DUBBERLEY,
AMY FOX, DEBORAH MITCHELL
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY
PUBLICATIONS LIMITED.
Check us out online at:
WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
Find us on
/JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
www.jaimemagazine.com
5

F E AT U R E
Dare you open 13 Doors?
AFTER THREE DECADES IN NEWSROOMS AROUND THE MIDLANDS,
RENOWNED SUTTON COLDFIELD FORMER EDITOR AND JOURNALIST
GARY PHELPS HAS ACHIEVED A LIFELONG AMBITION FOLLOWING THE
PUBLICATION OF HIS DEBUT NOVEL - THE SPINE-TINGLING 13 DOORS.
AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE
Gary Phelps is no stranger to a good story.
As an award-winning editor and journalist,
Gary honed his skills during three decades
in the newsroom. And as editor of some
of the region’s most respected newspapers,
Gary was a leading figure in Midlands
media, helping to break important stories,
spearhead campaigns and bring the latest
news and views to doorsteps around the
areas, every week.
When the time came to bow out of the
newsroom, Gary forged a successful second
career with his own PR consultancy,
specialising in education, public affairs and
industry.
And now, he has channelled his lifelong
love of writing and devotion to a good
story into more literary pursuits. Gary’s
debut novel, 13 Doors, published under
the pen name GJ Phelps, hit the shelves
this summer, garnering critical acclaim and
five-star reviews. The spine-tingling horrormystery
showcases Gary’s passion for the
spookiest of genres.
“I’ve always been a devotee of horror
fiction and films – when I was a kid, I used
to devour books by people like Stephen
King and James Herbert, and I’ve never
lost that love for the genre,” says Gary.
“So, it’s been something of a lifelong ambition to
add something of my own to the horror world, but a
career in journalism got in the way for 30 years!”
Taking inspiration from his time in the newsroom,
13 Doors follows the eerie adventures of news
reporter Joe Baxter, who has a simple idea to use
his newsroom contacts across England to find
thirteen haunted places to stay, and then record his
experiences in a book. From an abandoned cinema
to a dank pub cellar, from a World War Two airfield
to a lonely, landlocked cruise liner, Joe is prepared to
AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
AND DEBUT AUTHOR GJ PHELPS
spend long nights in the cold and dark. But has no
idea what he is about to unleash.
“This was a lockdown book, which took around eight
months to write and then a good time longer to finetune,
but I enjoyed writing it,” says Gary.
“The plot follows the main character, Joe Baxter,
as he visits 13 haunted locations, a concept which
brings a lot of variety – it meant that as I wrote I had
a regular change of mental scenery, almost like I was
visiting these places with him. I wanted the reader to
feel the same effect, like they are sitting in the dark
with Joe on one of his vigils, waiting for something to
6
www.jaimemagazine.com

happen.
“It’s a horror novel, but it’s not gory – I
wanted to write something that was creepy and
atmospheric, and perhaps even moving too.”
Gary’s former journalistic patch across the West
Midlands inspired many of the settings within
the novel, meaning local readers should find
many points of familiarity.
“The book was originally inspired by a real-life
incident that happened to my family, which I
won’t go into here as it would spoil elements
of the story,” says Gary. “But the novel is also
centred here in the West Midlands, and features
landmarks like the Birmingham Catacombs in
the Jewellery Quarter.
“Local legends like the ghostly drummer boy
who is said to haunt Sutton Coldfield’s Three
Tuns pub inspired a chapter, while another was
influenced by the legend that Lichfield may have
got its name from some ancient battle that has
been lost in the mists of time. Hopwas Woods
were an inspiration too. There are lots of local
connections in the book, some recognisable,
some vague.”
As a journalist, plenty of strange and spooky
stories made their way across Gary’s desk. And
elements of some of those real-life occurrences
have now been immortalised in book form.
“Over the years I was always fascinated by
the odd, unexplainable stories that would
occasionally come into newsrooms,” explains Gary.
“I sort of collected them over the years, and when
I came to write 13 Doors, I thought it would be
unusual to weave aspects of them into the story, to
THE BIRMINGHAM
CATACOMBS, IN THE
JEWELLERY QUARTER, PLAY
A CENTRAL ROLE TO THE
PLOT OF 13 DOORS
give it a grounding in reality. All newsrooms have
these stories if you dig a little, funny little incidents
that journalists couldn’t explain.”
As many budding authors will know, writing a novel
is only the first part of the journey. And finding a
publisher to put your work out
into the world is often more
difficult and time-consuming than
creating that work in the first
place.
“The publication process took
almost as long as writing the
book,” admits Gary. “All I will say
to anyone who’s embarking on
their first novel is ‘stick at it’ and
persevere!”
If you’re a fan of 13 Doors’
supernatural thrills and chills, the
horror genre has some fantastic
new voices coming through. So
what are Gary’s top picks?
“Horror and supernatural fiction
has always been my thing, both
www.jaimemagazine.com 7

ooks and movies,” says Gary. “I grew
up in the 70s and 80s – part of what you
could call ‘Generation VHS’. We were the
kids who listened for voices in the white
noise at TV closedown, said things into
mirrors and watched Damian grow up.
“When it comes to books, Stephen
King remains the master, of course, but
modern horror fiction is going through a
renaissance at the moment, with lots of
interesting authors about. I’d recommend
The Whistling, by Rebecca Netley and
Come With Me by Ronald Malfi for a
start.”
And while Gary has plenty of reading
recommendations, 13 Doors comes with
plenty of acclaim of its own.
“It’s been very humbling to see the reviews coming
in, and I’ve been blown away by how it’s been
received,” he says. “ When you’ve poured yourself
into a project like this you can only hope that people
will like it, so it has been wonderful to see how
readers have connected with the book, its characters,
and the stories that they tell. I’m hoping now that,
as Halloween approaches, more people will be brave
enough to open 13 Doors!”
And while 13 Doors hopefully won’t be the last we
hear of Gary’s writing, he’s in no rush to start work
HOPWAS WOODS INSPIRED ONE OF
THE CHAPTERS OF SUPERNATURAL
THRILLER 13 DOORS, WHICH
FOLLOWS A JOURNALIST AS HE VISITS
HAUNTED LOCATIONS
on novel number two just yet.
“I have a few ideas in place, but at the moment I’m
concentrating on getting as many people as possible
to read 13 Doors,” he says. “I’ve waited 30 years to
write my first novel, so I’m enjoying the sensation of
having it out there on the shelves!”
13 Doors by GJ Phelps is out now, published
by The Book Guild, and available in
paperback and ebook format from retailers
nationwide including Waterstones, WH
Smith, Amazon and more.
AUTHOR GJ PHELPS HAS JUST RELEASED
HIS DEBUT HORROR NOVEL
8
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F E AT U R E
The magic of the railways
RUNDOWN TRAIN STATIONS ARE BEING GIVEN A NEW LEASE OF LIFE BY GROUPS OF
‘ADOPTERS’ HOPING TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE BACK ONTO TRAINS FOR SUSTAINABLE
TRAVEL. AMY NORBURY SPOKE TO THE FRIENDS OF WYLDE GREEN TRAIN STATION TO
FIND OUT MORE
As many of us are looking to lessen our
environmental footprint by reducing energy
consumption, cutting down on food waste or
avoiding single-use plastics, it’s difficult to overlook
the impact of our methods of transport.
Opting for public transport over driving our cars
can help to reduce our carbon footprint significantly.
However, unreliable services and neglected or
vandalised stations make this option much less
appealing.
But that’s not always the case.
Neighbours Nikki Wright and Dawn Whitfield are
passionate about making a difference to their Wylde
Green community - and the transport hub at its
heart. The duo co-founded Friends of Wylde Green
Train Station and have adopted the station in order
to create a more pleasant space for everyone who
passes through.
Friends of Wylde Green Train Station was formed
in October 2020, and the group now has more than
20 adopters who work closely with West Midlands
Railways to make things happen.
Their aim is to make Wylde Green Train Station
a much loved space for all to enjoy, improving
the biodiversity for plants and wildlife and, most
importantly, encouraging the public back onto the
trains as a sustainable way to travel.
Anyone who has visited or travelled through Wylde
Green Station over recent months will be familiar
with the fox mural by local artist Annatomix, as well
as former Young Poet Laureate Fatma Mohiuddin’s
poem that brought the Fox to life. Add to that the
vibrant green corridor, the endless showcasing of
local art in the notice boards and the photo boards
on the platforms, and Wylde Green is a very different
kind of station indeed.
Nikki and Dawn enthusiastically dream up
new projects and bid for grants from various
organisations. Many of the plants are donated from
neighbouring gardens and allotments and local
artists give their artwork for free to display.
NEIGHBOURS DAWN WHITFIELD
AND NIKKI WRIGHT ARE CO-
ADOPTERS OF WYLDE GREEN
TRAIN STATION
The group also networks with other local community
groups, has presented at a local Eco festival and
church, created a community pocket garden,
displayed art in a high street cafe and are proud
members of Birmingham Outside Space Forum.
And where Nikki and Dawn have led, others have
followed. Chester Road, Shenstone and Lichfield
City stations are also adopted, with Blake Street next
on the list. A newly-formed Community Station
Partnership called The Spaghetti Line has also
been constituted. A CSP can bid for a bigger pot of
money and the long term plan is to promote every
station on the Northern X City line as a destination
station.
Like-minded individuals can join already-formed
groups, but anyone who lives close to stations on the
X City line are also being encouraged to set up a
group and make a difference.
And with Nikki and Dawn there to support new
volunteers at every step of the way, the future of
public transport in this neck of the woods looks ever
brighter.
Friends of Wylde Green Train Station are
on social media and really appreciate new
followers and likes. If you are interested in
getting involved in a group email spaghetti.
csp@gmail.com
10 www.jaimemagazine.com

Local writer Amy Fox is a homeeducating
mum of three children. She
is passionate about connecting people
with the nature on their doorsteps and
enjoys appreciating the small, often
overlooked details while finding fresh
ways to observe and celebrate them.
Here she shares her thoughts on the
Wylde Green station project:
“The train journey into Birmingham. As a small
child, I memorised the stations: pictured lions and
tigers prowling the jungle of shrubs behind the picket
fence at Wylde Green; imagined dry sledging down
the (I presumed) gritty slopes of
Gravelly Hill; enjoyed the satisfying,
climatic rhyme of ‘Erdington…
Aston, Duddeston’ which swept the
train into the yawning, subterranean
maelstrom of Birmingham New
Street.
“Later as an adult commuting
to work in the City Centre, the
magic of the trip having inevitably
expired, they blurred hazily into
one: the coordinated signage, the
corrugated shelters, the occasional
fast-food bag or crisp packet
blowing along the empty platforms
like tumbleweed as the train pulled
out no longer a matter of any
interest.
“Later still, house hunting with a non-driving friend
considering a move to Boldmere, we inspected Wylde
Green Station in more detail, wondering about the
safety of a late-night walk home to an empty house
and noting critically the forlorn, scrubby passageways
that ran behind the platforms, leading to the road.
“Now, with three children of my own, some of the
magic of the train journey has returned. At Wylde
Green, something else has changed as well.
“Pulling into Wylde Green Station, the immediate
impression is of a place that is cared for. In an
antidote to the uniformity of West Midlands
Railway orange, the ranks of poles and lampposts
lining the platform have been tenderly wrapped in
brightly coloured knitted coats: ‘friendly graffiti’,
commissioned by the Friends of Wylde Green Train
Station and devised by local crafters to mark the
Coronation of King Charles III.
“Under the sign denoting the station’s name, an
artwork commemorating the 2022 Commonwealth
Games depicts pairs of athletes delineated in
punched metal, seeming miraculously to move as the
light dances behind the holes.
“The real magic, though, is just slightly more hidden.
At the end of the platform, a ramp leads down to the
path that circumnavigates the station. Approaching
the bottom, the murmur of voices from the station
platform is gradually supplanted by the faint hum of
satisfied bees. The once somewhat dingy pathway is
now alive and bustling with flowers; in its own way,
as busy as the platforms at rush hour.
“The bright yellow suns of calendula rise
irrepressibly among the lacy, reddening embers of
herb Robert leaves, the delicate pink herb Robert
flowers peeping shyly between the stems. Perennial
THE FRIENDS OF WYLDE
GREEN TRAIN STATION WORK
TIRELESSLY TO MAKE THE
STATION A BETTER SPACE
www.jaimemagazine.com 11

PRETTY WILDFLOWERS NOW
COVER THE AREA
sunflowers thrust confidently skyward while more
reserved crocosmia bow gracefully beside them.
Nasturtiums and valerian romp down a bank
like tumbling children. A mallow bursts with
bright pink flowers like the bows on a perfectly
wrapped gift; a privet is a cumulus of blossom
and bees. Everywhere there’s a confetti of tiny
star-like nipplewort flowers, as if a galaxy has
been grabbed from the sky and left to fall.
“After crossing the railway tracks, the path
doubles back. In a shadowy niche under the
bridge a giant fox is caught mid-pivot. Painted
by local artist Annatomix as a tribute to the
urban foxes that call the station their home,
its contours hug the graffiti-scarred old brick
wall, all angles, muscles and power. Its vibrant
orange seems to glow, imbuing what would once
have been a dreary, inhospitable corner with a
luminous energy.
“The rhythmic Morse code chatter of a blue
tit erupts from a sycamore, punctuating the
sleepy summer day soundtrack of the wood
pigeons swaying on the catenary lines above the
train tracks. Beside the path stately hollyhocks,
wearing their blooms like fascinators, chaperone
huddles of lavender heads, their fragrance
leaking into the air like a whispered secret.
Mounds of oregano, its pink, white and purple
flowers piled like produce at a wholesale
farmers’ market, draw crowds of bumblebees
and hoverflies. The bees approach purposefully:
they visit a flower then move onto the next, their
pollen baskets brimming; the hoverflies seem to
browse more hesitantly, taking time to survey the
bounty before committing to a choice.
“As the path nears the platform again, the
planting reaches a crescendo with the patch
known as the meadow. Here, the intricate
magenta and white doilies of sweet William
flowers jostle with long-tongued phacelia and the
fairytale pink and silver of rose campion. Where
the flowers have self-seeded, they’ve gradually
nudged their way down the bank towards the
front of the bed like eager commuters pressing
forwards at the approach of a train, but all
feels quite amicable, with native and non-native
species equally embraced and valued. Slender
verbena stems mingle shoulder to shoulder
with coarser spear thistles, both prized by
pollinators and, in their way, equally beautiful.
Even stinging nettles are welcomed for their vital
role as host plants for butterflies, albeit ushered
politely towards the back of the bed where they
won’t cause offence.
THE EYECATCHING FOX MURAL
BY LOCAL ARTIST ANNATOMIX
12 www.jaimemagazine.com

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THE GROUP HAS GROWN OVER
THE PAST THREE YEARS
“All of this is the work of the Friends of Wylde
Green Train Station. They planned, planted and
tended the flowers and artwork that have
transformed the station’s green corridors,
and evidence of their continued solicitude for
this oasis and the biodiversity it nurtures is
everywhere. An ungainly teasel, its flowerhead
heavy with appreciative bumblebees, has
been meticulously propped up with a bamboo
cane. Wildflowers like garlic mustard and
green alkanet, beloved by pollinators but
so often dismissed in the garden under the
unjustified umbrella term of ‘weeds’ have been
lovingly labelled to help visitors give them the
acknowledgement they deserve. An information
board, produced in partnership with Butterfly
Conservation, explains the importance of
planting for pollinators and extols the virtues of
often-overlooked plants like garlic mustard and
nettles.
“It is July when I visit and, while many flowers
are at their peak, others have by now died back
or gone to seed; yet this confers a beauty all
its own. Spent bluebells are everywhere – in
May, the station must have been awash with
them – their papery cups peeling open to
reveal the seeds like nests of tiny eggs. The
minute, perfect orbs of cleavers seeds scramble
through the helter-skelter twists of willowherb
fluff, wiry wood avens burrs and the translucent,
shimmering moons of honesty. A sycamore seed
is caught on a withered cleavers stem like a lost
kite. Even in death, there is life everywhere.
Spiders’ webs traverse the spaces between the
dried stems; a snail with a shell like inlaid wood
rests on a skeletal cow parsley flower. A broken
poppy stalk is black with aphids, busily tended
by a pair of ants crawling unceremoniously over
their tiny bodies.
“Nothing here is wasted when it has the
potential to nurture life. Prunings have been
collected and woven into dead hedges to create
homes for minibeasts and small mammals like
hedgehogs. Logs have been carefully arranged
to form habitat piles. A fallen tree trunk forms
a backdrop for planting. Every opportunity has
been taken to add magic. Walking from the
platform towards the car park, a wall built from
old railway sleepers supports a bed of hart’s
tongue ferns, purple toadflax and nodding
campanula. At the base of one of the sleepers
there’s a tiny fairy door, painted with toadstools,
flowers and delicate lanterns. You have to look
carefully to spot it. But Wylde Green Station
merits a careful look.”
WYLDE GREEN TRAIN STATION
IS NOW A SPACE FOR THE
COMMUNITY TO BE PROUD OF
14 www.jaimemagazine.com

CO M P E T I T I O N
Win a £100 E-Bike voucher
J’AIME HAS TEAMED UP WITH SUTTON COLDFIELD’S NIPPON E-BIKES TO OFFER
READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A £100 VOUCHER TOWARDS THEIR OWN E-BIKE
Nippon E-Bikes are your local go-to destination for
all your electric bike needs. Whether you’re looking
to convert your current ride or invest in a brand-new
e-bike, their knowledgeable team is here to assist you
every step of the way.
For outdoor enthusiasts, e-bikes are the perfect
companion. They provide an opportunity to explore
and experience more, whether you’re camping,
caravanning, or travelling by motorhome. If you
want to enhance your fitness and overall well-being,
an e-bike offers a fantastic solution that gets your
heart pumping while enjoying the great outdoors.
Sustainable commuting options have never been
more accessible. With many employers now offering
cycle schemes, you can save up to 48% on the cost of
a new e-bike. Nippon E-Bikes offer 0% interest-free
financing options through their finance partner. They
cater to every budget, whether you’re looking for a
folding, commuter, off-road, or mountain e-bike.
Nippon’s E-Bikes can travel up to 50 miles on a
single charge, but this may vary depending on factors
like weight, terrain, and settings. It usually takes
about six to seven hours to charge your batteries fully.
Once charged, you’re ready to go! Battery costs vary,
but a complete charge will be around 10p depending
on your tariff. To put this into perspective, a washing
machine cycle costs about 30p, and a toaster costs
2.5p.
If you’re into e-bikes, you’ll likely know Nippon’s
brand partners: Wisper, Juicy/NeoMouv, RooDog,
and MiRiDER. Nippon have got their bikes in stock,
so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs.
They also have their own Nippon brand, which
offers reasonably priced e-bikes, starting at just £950.
While some online sellers may seem cheaper,
choosing a reputable supplier for your e-bike is
important to avoid safety issues with batteries and
charges that could be dangerous for you and your
family.
Nippon understand that choosing the right e-bike
can be overwhelming, so they offer a try-before-youbuy
e-bike trial that can be easily booked online or at
their local showroom.
Nippon E-Bikes are based at Unit 8c, Reddicap
Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham,
Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU. Pop in or call 0121 311
0313 for more information.
The competition!
J’AIME has teamed up with Nippon E-Bikes to offer readers the
chance to win a £100 voucher to spend in store. For your chance
to win, simply answer the following question:
How much does it cost to charge the average e-bike battery?
Fill in the entry form online at https://t.ly/ebikecompetition or scan
the QR code to enter.
The competition closes at 5pm on Friday, October 27, 2023, and the winner will be
notified by email after the closing date. Terms and conditions apply. For more details
visit www.jaimemagazine.com
16 www.jaimemagazine.com

I N T E R I O R S
Down
to earth
AS we head into the autumnal months, there’s a soothing
vibe coming through as interiors take inspiration from
Mother Nature’s earthiest tones.
Perfect for anyone looking to get away from the ‘grey for
days’ decor trend, earth tones have become the neutrals
of choice in recent seasons, offering a warmer and more
comforting palette than the cooler grey hues.
Shades of taupe, latte and terracotta pair with creamier
whites to create a natural canvas for your home, while
warmer hues of cocoa and rust add warmth and depth to
your colour scheme.
Offering a more boho, mid-century modern feel, these
earthy tones are easy to incorporate into every room of
the home, and provide a complementary backdrop to the
natural wood tones which are surging in popularity when
it comes to furniture.
When decorating with neutrals, texture and layering are
essential. Emphasise the warmth of your earth tones with
warm metallics such as bronze or gold, and add plenty of
soft furnishings in natural fabrics such as wool, linen or
sheepskin to create that cosy atmosphere.
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18 www.jaimemagazine.com

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community in Wylde Green
When you rightsize and buy an Adlington retirement apartment
at Broadleaf House in Wylde Green, purpose built for later life,
you also open up new opportunities within a thriving community
of like-minded people. With access to a host of fully maintained
facilities including a restaurant*, hair salon* and landscaped
gardens, and an on-site team available 24/7, 365 days a year,
you can spend more quality time doing the things you love, free
from everyday worries.
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Birmingham Road, Wylde
Green, Sutton Coldfield,
B72 1DH
Request a brochure and find out more
Call 0121 817 8680 • Visit adlington.co.uk/JA
*Additional charges apply.

£POA
TARU CHAISE WITH FOOTSTOOL, LIGNE
ROSET. WWW.LIGNE-ROSET.COM/UK
£64.99
TAHITI WOODEN SALT AND PEPPER MILL
DUO IN COCOA AND HAZELNUT, PEUGEOT.
UK.PEUGEOT-SAVEURS.COM
£95
£165
SLUBBY KNIT THROW IN TERRACOTTA,
LOAF. WWW.LOAF.COM
MORSE CUSHION COVER IN NATURAL/
BROWN, OKA UK. WWW.OKA.COM
£14
TAKAI PENDANT LIGHT IN BEIGE
BY SOFIE LEFÈVRE, LIME LACE.
WWW.LIMELACE.CO.UK
CHOCOLATE BROWN MUG WITH
BRAIDED HANDLE, ROSE & GREY.
WWW.ROSEANDGREY.CO.UK
£219.95
SMEG FAB28 FRIDGE IN TAUPE, AVAILABLE
FROM KESSELER BIRMINGHAM.
WWW.KESSELERBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK
18 www.jaimemagazine.com

CUSTOM-MADE ORGANIC, RUSTIC
TEXTURED BROWN ROLLER BLINDS,
FROM £32.50, ENGLISH BLINDS.
WWW.ENGLISHBLINDS.CO.UK
LEXINGTON BED, £529.99, FURNITURE AND CHOICE.
WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK
PIANCA EDEN ARMCHAIR, AVAILABLE
FROM KESSELER BIRMINGHAM.
WWW.KESSELERBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK
IGGY HIGH BACK THREE SEAT SOFA IN
CINNAMON SMART VELVET, £2,650, AND
QUINN NEST COFFEE TABLE, £975.
WWW.SOFA.COM

I N T E R I O R S
Creating luxury
TURN YOUR BATHROOM DESIGN DREAM INTO REALITY WITH A VISIT TO
SUTTON COLDFIELD INDEPENDENT BATHROOM RETAILER BATHART
The bathroom packs more in than any other room -
and it’s a place where you can let your design dreams
run wild to create a luxurious, tranquil haven of
relaxation. Your bathroom, too, is certainly a place
where it pays to invest in quality.
If you’re looking to update your bathroom, Bathart
are an independent bathroom and tile retailer with
more than 20 years of experience designing luxury
bathrooms across the West Midlands.
Based at the Mitchells Centre in Sutton Coldfield,
Bathart has been designing, supplying and installing
bathrooms from leading designer brands such as
Villeroy and Boch and Duravit for more than two
decades.
Since moving into larger premises at the centre last
year, Bathart can offer an even more comprehensive
showcase of the highest quality bathroom fixtures
and fittings on the market.
The new showroom features an array of luxury
bathroom and tile displays - perfect for inspiring
your bathroom design journey. With brand names
including Keuco, Ashton and Bentley, Flair, Elisa,
The Shower Lab, Tissino, Hurlingham and many
more, the team at Bathart are well equipped to make
all your bathroom dreams come true.
From the initial design consultation right through to
the full installation of your new luxury bathroom,
everything is done in-house. As the only independent
luxury bathroom showroom in Sutton Coldfield
which fully employs its own team of installation
staff, Bathart ensures the highest quality of service is
achieved from start to finish.
As you would expect, Bathart’s excellent reputation
is reflected in an array of glowing reviews, including
more than 70 five-star ratings on Google alone.
Bathart is located at Mitchells, Weeford Road, Sutton
Coldfield, B75 6NA. For more details call 0121 439
4884 or visit the website at www.bathart.co.uk
22
www.jaimemagazine.com

tatlowcarpets
&flooring
AUTUMN SALE
20% OFF RIVIERA HOME CARPETS
throughout September and October
(selected ranges)
Why not make a feature of your stairs at home.
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VISIT OUR STAND AT
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We guarantee that you won’t find a better price for a
‘like for like’ product. We are committed to offering
unbeatable value without compromising on quality.
Your garden deserves the epitome of luxury,
functionality and style at prices that cannot be beaten.
Please see our website for further details
www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk
Tel: 01543 264766
Open to the public. Mon-Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Sat: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Unit 4, Europa Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TZ
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
CALL 01543 505505
www.exquisiteltd.co.uk
Unit 7a, Progress Drive, Cannock WS11 0JE

I N T E R I O R S
Read the
room
THERE’S nothing quite like cosying up in your favourite
armchair with a good book to soothe the soul. And giving
yourself the time - and most importantly, the space - to
enjoy the latest bestseller, or that classic page-turner you
come back to time and time again, is key.
Enter the book nook.
This dedicated space, furnished with a comfy chair, mood
lighting and book storage aplenty, taps into the design
world’s emphasis on self-care - creating those spaces within
our homes which are ultimately there to enable us to relax
and unwind.
The book nook should be an intimate space, so it doesn’t
mean sacrificing a lot of room to create one. You can
take advantage of a home’s natural features such as a
bay window or alcove to transform into a cosy reading
area, but carving out a small space in a larger room works
equally well. The key is to mark the area with carefully
chosen furniture pieces - a chair, naturally, as well as a
small table or bookcase to house your favourite works -
and pay attention to creating a cosy atmosphere with a
reading light and some cosy soft furnishings.
MOLTENI & C D.357 GIO PONTI BOOKCASE, £3,980, GO
MODERN FURNITURE. WWW.GOMODERN.CO.UK
£2,270
£89
£399.99
BELGRAVIA MAGAZINE RACK IN
BROWN LEATHER, WHERE SAINTS GO.
WWW.WHERESAINTSGO.CO.UK
ABERDEEN CHAIR IN JUNIPER EASY CLEAN
PLUSH VELVET, DARLINGS OF CHELSEA.
WWW.DARLINGSOFCHELSEA.CO.UK
£35
GINGKO SMART BOOK
LIGHT IN NATURAL WOOD.
WWW.GINGKODESIGNSTORE.COM
PARQUET BRUSHED AND GLAZED
SOLID OAK SMALL BOOKCASE,
OAK FURNITURELAND.
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24 www.jaimemagazine.com

CHILL-SEEKER LOVESEAT IN CLEVER
WOBBLY COTTON, £1,445, LOAF.
WWW.LOAF.COM
VOX RIBBON TALL BOOKCASE,
£745, CUCKOOLAND.
WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM
THE CLOUD SUNDAE 1.5 SEATER
SNUGGLER IN PINE GREEN, £809,
SNUG SOFA. WWW.SNUGSOFA.COM
ROTTERDAM BOOKCASE WITH TWO DOOR STORAGE SPACE IN
MANGO WOOD, £699.99, DESSER & CO. WWW.DESSER.CO.UK
22 www.jaimemagazine.com

F E AT U R E
A countryside gem
EXPERIENCE A PEACEFUL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN A LOVELY RURAL SETTING AWAY FROM
THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF MODERN LIFE AT CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
This picturesque centre has been developed
over the past 30 years and is now home to many
brilliant independent businesses, including
retailers, artists and designers and Lichfield’s
very own brunch café Thyme Kitchen.
Curborough is a mixture of traditional and
contemporary independents. There are retailers
selling a whole host of wonderful items and
bespoke gifts, and it is also home to talented local
artists and craftspeople.
Situated off Eastern Avenue, just minutes from
Lichfield city centre, Curborough is easy to
reach.
Plenty of free car parking without time
restrictions gives you time to explore the site and
enjoy everything on offer.
Now that the summer holidays are over many
people are starting their Christmas shopping
and Curborough certainly offers a wide range of
places to tick off your Christmas list.
Curborough Gift Shop is bursting with gift ideas,
cards, beautiful scarves, jigsaws and so much more,
while Metamorphic Charm offers bespoke silver
jewellery and jewellery-making workshops.
Treat yourself to handmade organic soaps and home
fragrance products at The Little Bath and Body
Barn, while Eden Gallery in the Hexagon Centre
has a diverse and eclectic range of artwork and
sculptures which offer great quality and value for
money.
The incredibly talented artist Kara Strachan has a
studio on-site, located opposite Curborough Antiques
Centre, which is another highlight. A family-run
business established in 1995, the centre offers a wide
selection of furniture and collectables provided by
independent dealers.
Luv Felt is run by textile artist and designer Louise
who specialises in felt making with exotic fibre
including the finest wools and silks. All products are
hand-made and individual, including bags, scarves,
wall hanging and much more.
For those that prefer to buy local produce and home
reared beef and lamb from a local farm, a visit to
Bradbury Farm Shop is a must. Still on the food trail,
the Cheese, Gin and Ale Barn is well worth a visit
- here you can pick up British gins and whiskeys, as
well as local cheese, ale and other speciality produce.
Curborough is also home to Lichfield Garden Centre
which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. They offer
a great range of plants and gardening items from
plant pots to seeds and bulbs, through to fertilisers
and compost, as well as a great range of gifts for
gardeners.
There are a lot more businesses on site so when
all have been explored take a rest and visit Thyme
Kitchen for a cracking cuppa and a slice of cake, a
beautiful scone from Made by Mabels or one of their
famous brunch dishes. The restaurant is dog friendly
and fully licensed, and if you have a special occasion
it is also available for private hire.
A small section of Watery Lane will be fully closed
resulting in a diverted route to access Curborough
Countryside Centre this autumn. The road
closure begins on September 4 and will last for
approximately 12 weeks, but the centre will remain
fully accessible via the diversion during this time.
For more information visit
www.curboroughcoutrysidecentre.com
www.jaimemagazine.com
27

curborough hall farm
c o u n t r y s i d e c e n t r e
business directory
the courtyard
Kara Strachan Art
Curborough Hall
Antique Centre
Luvfelt
Thyme Kitchen
pool walk
Bradbury’s Farm
Shop & Butchery
The Stable
Takeaway
The Cheese,
Gin & Ale Barn
the mill
Curborough Gift
Shop
Metamorphic
Charm
​the hexagon centre
C.J Fortey
Chiropody &
Podiatry
Cute Beauty Room
Eden Gallery
Foxglass of
Curborough &
Foxglass Artspace
Hair by Tilly
weighbridge workshops
G.A. Cannell
Memorials
Lichfield Piano
Services
Little Bath & Body
Barn
the arches
Curious Souls
Children’s
Collection
Lichfield Garden
Centre
Phoenix Interiors
enjoy a relaxed
shopping experience with
free parKing at curborough
countryside centre with a
variety of independents
#supportlocal
www.curboroughcountrysidecentre.com
Kara strachan gallery
Kara Strachan Art
creates vibrant original
seascapes, landscapes
and floral paintings
Kara offers workshops
and exhibitions and
welcomes all visitors to
see her painting her latest
subjects in her studio
gallery.
www.karastrachan.com
curborough gift shop
Stocking a range of
gifts, jigsaws, scarves
& accessories, candles
& toiletries, stationery,
greeting cards & gift
wrap from Noel Tatt,
Rosie Made A Thing,
Powder, Lily-flame,
Cotswold Lavender,
East of India, Wrendale,
Gibsons, Ravensburger
and lots more!
luvfelt
Louise is a wool
artist and felter who
creates colourful
paintings from wool
and silk. Also vessels,
wall hangings,
fashion and home
items.
Commissions
and workshops
welcomed.
eden gallery
Specialists in Original and
Limited Edition
artwork for over 30 years.
We feature a comprehensive
range of framed art from
established international
artists. We also stock
a wide selection of
affordable sculptures by
talented sculptors from
across the UK.
www.edenartandframing.co.uk

golf &
country
club
wood end lane
This Autumn a section of Watery
Lane will be fully closed from
the Eastern Aevenue end. A
diversion will be in place to
allow access to the Centre.
The map shows the proposed
road closure and official diversion
which began on September 4th
2023 and is planned for 12 weeks.
Please allow extra journey time when
planning your visit - we look forward to
welcoming you!
A51
the hedgehog
A515
police
station
elmhurst
grange lane
morrisons
A5192
lichfield
watery lane
ambulance
station
curborough
sprint course
curborough
countryside
centre
new housing
development
streethay
wo
OPEN | Tuesday - Sunday from 10am-4pm
Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre,
Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES
diversion
beacon park
*Individual businesses may operate outside these times
A38
little bath & body barn
Discover a gorgeous
selection of locally handmade,
organic, vegan,
natural soaps, bath salts,
home fragrance, candles
and beauty products.
Taking inspiration from
the seasons these fabulous
products make beautiful
gifts or simply a well
deserved treat for you!
waitrose
A51
bradbury farm shop
At Bradbury’s farm shop
we are proud to bring our
home reared and locally
sourced meat to our
traditional butchery.
We also pride ourselves
on sourcing from high
quality producers and
farmers.
Fresh | Local | Seasonal
bradburysfarmshop@mail.com
metamorphic charm
Specialising in bespoke
silver jewellery,
handmade in Lichfield
by Designer-Maker
Nikola Woodhall.
Also offering creative
jewellery making
workshops, available to
book throughout the
week at a time to suit you.
www.metamorphiccharm.com
thyme Kitchen
Lichfield’s Brunch
Cafe! Serving beautiful
breakfasts and brunches
made fresh, with
locally sourced quality
ingredients. Also offering
Afternoon Teas, Sunday
Roasts. Available for
private hire. Named Casual
Dining Restaurant of the
Year 2023 at MFDHA.
www.thymekitchen.co.uk

F E AT U R E
Freefalling into dance
A GROUNDBREAKING MIDLANDS DANCE COMPANY WHICH CHALLENGES PERCEPTIONS
AND GIVES OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED DANCERS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES IS
CELEBRATING ITS 21ST ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH. AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE
FREEFALL DANCE
COMPANY IS CELEBRATING
ITS 21ST ANNIVERSARY.
PHOTO BY DREW
TOMMONS
Every week for two hours at Birmingham Royal
Ballet’s studios, a group of ten highly gifted dancers
meet to hone their classical dance skills, work
on exciting new choreography and prepare for
performances. Working alongside Birmingham Royal
Ballet staff, freelance artists, senior teachers and
teaching assistants, the dancers of Freefall Dance
Company have been breaking new ground with their
accomplished and innovative ballet work for the past
21 years.
But the thing which makes Freefall stand out in the
dance world is that each of the exceptionally talented
dancers has learning disabilities.
Formed in 2002, Freefall evolved from a number
of different projects in partnership with Fox Hollies
Special School in Birmingham, a school with
performing art status.
Freefall’s artistic director Lee Fisher, Head of
Creative Learning at Birmingham Royal Ballet
and himself a former BRB soloist, saw immense
beauty in the unique movements of the dancers at
Fox Hollies and recognised the need for provision
for post-school young people with a passion and
commitment towards dance. And so, Freefall was
formed.
Freefall continuously achieves and exceeds beyond
expectations and stereotypes. The dancers’ hard
work and determination to succeed enables them
to improve and create breathtaking dance routines
admired by critics. Their impressive performance
films have received international acclaim and the
annual Freefall showcase performance is a highlight
of the Midlands dance calendar.
The company’s 21st anniversary, which launches on
September 18, is set to be celebrated with a festival
of newly-created dance pieces, performances, films
and an exhibition at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Lee says: “Freefall was about creating opportunity
and provision, but equally, if not more so, being
excited by the creativity and the aesthetic that these
young people had, and about giving a platform for
those talented dancers.
“Initially, it was formed with six dancers, who we’d
worked with through those previous projects, not
least Cafe Atlantic, which was a project based on
David Bintley’s ballet ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café.
It was about giving those guys an opportunity for
more structured and formal dance training, but also
a space to be creative, to be choreographers and to
be performers and, like BRB, to build a repertoire.”
30 www.jaimemagazine.com

Rosemary Lodge Residential
Care Home for elderly ladies
and gentlemen offers a level of
care, community and comfort
that is second to none.
We are an independently
owned, private care home and
have been a highly regarded
part of the community for
over 30 years. Offering 24-
hour care, our fully trained
staff work together to
communicate with residents
and ensure personal care
needs are met in a personcentred
approach.
Please get in touch to find out
more about our care.
191 Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 8AQ
Tel: 01543 415223
Email: contact@rosemarylodge.co.uk
Website: www.rosemarylodge.co.uk
Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years
HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS
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Freefall’s dancers are identified through various other
projects, and go through a rigorous induction process
to ensure the dancer and company are a good fit.
“The nature of Freefall and the intensity of some of
the rehearsal and performance periods, the work we
do on films, may not suit every dancer so we will be
really careful with our recruitment and selection,”
says Lee.
“Continuity has been really important and it’s also I
think an inherent value for Freefall. It’s up to them
when they join Freefall and they stay until it doesn’t
suit them. All the Freefall members have an interest
in dance and performance, and require something
different to traditional dance processes, due to the
level of support they need in some of their day-today
tasks and ways of communicating.
“Very early on, in partnership with co-founder
Keith at Fox Hollies, we found that the way we were
working was dovetailing the values and principles of
classical ballet, with its deference for passed down
tradition and shared language, with the values of
community dance, which is about empowerment,
and the belief that everybody can dance.
“There’s very little arts provision for people with
a learning disability full stop, hence one of the
purposes of the company. The sessions themselves
are very structured, and have developed over time
with our own rituals and processes, which actually
I think the dancers with learning disabilities really
appreciate that familiarity, and that opportunity to
share a common language and technique.”
While there are many proven benefits of dance
for people from all walks of life, and all abilities,
the dancers of Freefall would struggle to access
traditional dance provision, which is limited for
people with disabilities who need extra support.
Freefall fills that gap.
“Freefall would not survive without the committed
families around the edges,” says Lee. “None of
THE TALENTED DANCERS HAVE CREATED
ACCLAIMED WORK. PHOTO BY ALEX GRIFFITHS
FREEFALL’S ARTISTIC
DIRECTOR AND FORMER BRB
SOLOIST LEE FISHER. PHOTO
BY GREG MILNER
our dancers really travel independently, so that’s a
challenge; it relies on very dedicated families who see
the value in it.
“Dance training can also be expensive as well, and
traditional dance provision would not be at the right
pace for the typical Freefaller to engage with. Could
it be accessible and meaningful, physically and
cognitively for dancers like Freefallers? Probably not.
“It’s not about the medical model of disabilities and
deficits. Freefall shows what’s possible and creates an
entertaining evening that people just want to come to
and enjoy, be moved by, and be inspired by.
“I think one of the reasons why Freefallers keep
coming back is because it gives them a sense
that they are really adding value as artists and
performers. Quite often, Freefallers are reliant
on other people but in Freefall they are not
taking from others, they’re giving.”
As well as building a sense of pride for the
dancers, the company is important as the
Freefallers inspire others.
“The dancers have grown as performers,
creators, and dance technicians in many
ways,” says Lee.
“Because we’ve had the luxury of long-term
commitment from multiple partners, the
32 www.jaimemagazine.com

Freefallers have developed an enviable ballet
technique. They’ve developed as performers
through consistent continuous regular
opportunities to perform and their films have
educated them in the process of dance for the
camera.
“One of the things that’s always surprising
is when Freefallers go out into different
communities and share and teach others,
whether trainee teachers, comedians
or dance artists, their own peer group
or younger children. When you teach
something, you automatically develop a
deeper understanding of it, as it requires you
to interrogate a little bit more what it is that you’re
doing. They’ve developed through their teaching,
seeing their leadership and the facilitation of other
groups.”
Over the past 21 years, Freefall has grown both its
number of dancers and its extensive repertoire, and
has performed in quirky places such as the Bullring
Shopping Centre, Birmingham Airport, Coventry
Transport Museum and places across the city indoors
and outdoors.
“I’m really proud of the repertoire, it’s undoubtedly
unique,” says Lee. “Some serious pieces to pure
movement, to pieces with a strong storytelling and
narrative element.
“Freefall has grown too; we started with six dancers,
FREEFALL DANCERS HAVE
DEVELOPED ENVIABLE
BALLET TECHNIQUE. PHOTO
BY ALEX GRIFFITHS
THE FREEFALLERS REHEARSE WEEKLY IN THE
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET STUDIOS. PHOTO
BY GREG MILNER
now we’re at 10. We still have some founder
members and we’ve also recruited slowly and
carefully along the way. I think the success stories are
those dancers who’ve watched Freefall from an early
age and aspired to join the company having seen
themselves in Freefall who are role models.
“Samantha came from Uffculme Special school to
be a part of Junior Freefall Company at 12 or 13 and
went through her education with a passion for dance,
achieved a bachelor’s degree at Wolverhampton
University in dance writing a dissertation on
Freefall, and has now come back full circle as a paid
apprentice dance artist.”
The 21st anniversary festival is set to be a celebration
of the achievements of Freefall, and the joy the
company brings to its dancers and audiences alike.
Lee says: “We’re super excited about the festival.
Freefall, in small teaching teams, have gone out
into five communities - three educational and two
community settings. They are facilitating groups,
all of which have a personal connection to the
Freefallers or the Freefall story. They are creating
dance pieces which will be performed in the Patrick
Studio at Birmingham Hippodrome woven together
by Freefall.
“The overarching theme is ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin
Café taking us full circle back 21 years. Among
the festival activities, we’re creating two films. One
is a documentary that will track the participatory
project. The other is an archive film which is part of
an exhibition at Birmingham Hippodrome. At the
end of the festival week, there’ll be a Film Night for
invited people to come and enjoy the body of film
work that the company has developed.”
Freefall’s festival week runs from November 13,
while the exhibition is on through to March 2024.
For further details about Freefall and the 21st
anniversary festival, visit www.brb.org.uk or find
Freefall on social media.
www.jaimemagazine.com 33

F O O D & D R I N K
The fruits of autumn
LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY, OF DUBBERLEY DELICIOUS, TAKES A LOOK
AT SOME OF THE BEST SEASONAL PRODUCE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW - AND HOW
TO MAKE THE MOST OF NATURE’S LARDER
Autumn may be upon us, but the weather
doesn’t seem to have got the message. While
continental Europe has basked in months of
unforgiving heat, our British summer has been
typically, well, British. But now the calendar has
turned to September, the rainy days seem to
have given way to a mini heatwave.
And while we’re grateful for a last hurrah of
sunshine, the unpredictable weather has played
havoc with seasonal fresh produce.
“The wet, cold summer has affected quite a lot
of things,” says Jack Dubberley. “We’ve struggled
with broad beans; we’ve either been unable to
get them, or they’ve been poor quality.
“Fresh peas, too, have been difficult to get. Last year
we had similar problems with supply, but because
it was too hot! Farmers have so much trouble with
the extremes of weather; so many things appear
early, or don’t produce at all! Last year we had some
unseasonably warm weather in December, and we
had strawberries trying to come back!”
The change in season brings about a change in
ENGLISH BEETROOT
IS BEAUTIFUL SIMPLY
ROASTED
LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY
colour, as the brightness of summer berries and fresh
greens gives way to earthier hues.
“Things like cauliflower and celeriac will start
to come in, as produce becomes less bright and
colourful at this time of year,” says Jack.
With so many varieties on offer, however, summer
strawberries will remain a favourite at the start of
autumn; although the berries we see at the time
of year tend to be smaller than their summer
counterparts.
While apples are a supermarket staple year-round,
with hundreds of varieties grown in countries and
climates around the world, English apples come to
the fore as autumn rolls around.
“One of my favourite dishes for this time of year
is Mangalitza pork belly, which is a special breed
which is fattier than normal pork, but cooked in the
right way, the fat just melts; it’s beautifully soft, and
created a really nice dish,” says Jack.
“I serve it with apple - pork and apple is a classic
combination - making a Bramley apple puree, which
has just the right amount of tartness to cut through
the fat.
“I also pickled some Granny Smith apples, just to
add an extra dimension, and finish with a black
pudding crumb.
“It’s a lovely dish for autumn, something a bit
heartier for the changing season.”
As the autumn nights draw in, game will start
34 www.jaimemagazine.com

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JACK’S MENUS MAKE THE MOST
OF SEASONAL PRODUCE
making an appearance on menus.
“September is right at the start of game season, but
as we get into October you’ll see more and more,
particularly things like venison,” says Jack.
And October will also bring squashes to the fore,
as your traditional pumpkins come into season.
Although Jack recommends leaving pumpkins for
Halloween carving and opting for other, tastier
seasonal squashes.
“Traditional pumpkins have such thick skin, that they
take so much effort to peel - I personally don’t think
they’re worth the effort when other squashes are
easier to deal with, and taste better too,” says Jack.
“Butternut squash adds a nice touch of colour at this
time of year. You can roast it in its skin, and I like
to serve it with venison, kale, chilli, garlic and some
golden raisins. The squash is a nice substitute for
potato in a hearty dish.”
For another splash of colour, English varieties of
beetroot are another thing to look out for.
“There are so many different varieties; as well as
purple, you get golden and candy, which can be
sweeter,” says Jack.
“Purple beetroot is lovely, just simply roasted with a
bit of salt, bit of oil and a splash of water, wrapped
in foil and cooked on a lower heat for a couple of
hours. Pair it with goats’ cheese or feta for a lovely
veggie dish.”
When it comes to foraging, blackberries are the
star pickings at the start of autumn. This popular
hedgerow berry is easy to find and perfect for
creating many autumnal puds - or just scoffing as you
pick.
“Blackberries grow wild everywhere,” says Jack.
“They’re not forced, they’re a natural wild berry and
we have them in abundance around here.
“A fantastic dessert to make now is egg custard served
with blackberries; again, the sweet-sharp blackberries
are perfect for cutting through the rich egg custard.
“Blackberries are great for an easy jam, just cook
them down with some jam sugar. You could also
make a blackberry cordial, or even a blackberry gin,
while chefs will also ferment blackberries; it gives a
different flavour and adds another dimension to a
dish.
“Make sure you wash your blackberries well though,
to get rid of any little bugs; soak them in water with
a little bit of vinegar then lift them out of the bowl,
leaving anything which has come out of the berries
in the bottom.”
Jack’s top
seasonal tips:
Forage for: Blackberries - they grow in
abundance in hedgerows everywhere,
and are perfect for making a wide
variety of dishes.
Cook it now: Game dishes will start
to appear, while English varieties of
beetroot can be the hero of vegetarian
dishes.
FORAGE THE HEDGEROWS
FOR BLACKBERRIES
36 www.jaimemagazine.com

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CO M P E T I T I O N
Win tickets to Jurassic
Park in Concert
J’AIME IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO WATCH JURASSIC PARK
IN CONCERT IN BIRMINGHAM ON OCTOBER 21, AS WELL AS A SHEET FROM THE FILM’S
RENOWNED SCORE, SIGNED BY THE LEGENDARY JOHN WILLIAMS HIMSELF
In celebration of the
blockbuster’s 30th anniversary,
Jurassic Park will be shown
on the big screen in arenas
throughout October. Giving
audiences the chance to see the
sci-fi classic like never before,
the film will be accompanied by
the renowned Hallé Orchestra,
who will perform John
Williams’ iconic score live on
stage.
Coming to the Resorts World
Arena in Birmingham on
Saturday, October 21, the music
and epic motion picture will be
brought to life like never before.
Tickets for Jurassic Park In
Concert are on sale now via
AEGpresents.co.uk
SEE JURASSIC PARK LIKE NEVER
BEFORE AT RESORTS WORLD ARENA
The competition!
J’AIME is giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to Jurassic Park In Concert at
Resorts World Arena, as well as a score sheet signed by John Williams.
To enter, simply answer the following question:
Jurassic Park is celebrating which anniversary this autumn?
Send your answer, along with your name and contact details, by email to competitions@jaimemagazine.com with the
subject heading Jurassic Park Competition. Entries must be received by 12pm on Wednesday, October 11 and the winner
will be drawn and notified by email after the competition is closed. Usual competition terms and conditions apply.
Visit www.jaimemagazine.com for further details.
Specific terms and Conditions: The prize offered is one pair of tickets to see Jurassic Park In Concert at Birmingham
Resorts World Arena on 21 October 2023, as well one score sheet from the Jurassic Park score, signed by John Williams.
Train tickets, fuel, parking, meals, drinks and accommodation are NOT included. If the winner is unable to attend, no
alternative will be offered, and the prize will be offered to the next runner-up. If tickets to the concert at the specified
venue are unavailable, tickets to see the concert at an alternative venue will be offered.
38
www.jaimemagazine.com

7 - 23 DECEMBER 2023
Join us for an evening to remember
as we light-up the Arboretum with a
beautiful kaleidoscope of colour.
TICKETS FROM* Adult £19 | Child (5 - 15) £9
Under 5s Free | Group tickets available
Book now thenma.org.uk/illuminated
Alrewas, Staffordshire | 01283 245 100 | info@thenma.org.uk
*Advance tickets available until 5 November.
Charity No. 1043992
Image created by Malcolm Walsh

W H AT ’ S O N
What’s On this autumn
AS SUMMER FADES AND THE NIGHTS DRAW IN, THERE’S PLENTY TO KEEP YOU
OCCUPIED AROUND THE MIDLANDS THIS AUTUMN. HERE WE ROUND UP SOME IDEAS
TO KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY ENTERTAINED.
WHAT: GAIA AND JOURNEY THROUGH
CREATION
WHERE: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 22 TO NOVEMBER 5
This Autumn sees Lichfield Cathedral celebrate
our Earth in a series of exhibitions, artwork and
events for the whole community, all underneath the
beautiful artwork Gaia by Luke Jerram.
Luke Jerram’s seven metre wide artwork, Gaia, will
be suspended in the Nave of Lichfield Cathedral
from September 22 until November 5. The artwork
uses NASA imagery to recreate a rotating Earth,
allowing visitors to contemplate our fragile blue
planet from a different perspective, usually reserved
for astronauts.
Part of Luke’s vision for Gaia is that people will
understand the fragility of our planet and will be
inspired to protect it for future generations. Lichfield
Cathedral have taken this theme and created an
exhibition called Journey Through Creation, that
will run alongside Gaia’s installation.
The exhibition will take visitors through the account
of creation in the Bible using mini-installations
around the Cathedral, to celebrate the wonders
of our planet. Installations will include artwork
from children who have taken part in the children’s
activities over the summer. There will be an
aquarium, a garden space, floating clouds and much
more to explore.
More information and tickets are available on
Lichfield Cathedral’s website at
www.lichfield-cathedral.org/gaia
WHAT: BLACK SABBATH - THE BALLET
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 23 TO 30
The world premiere of Black Sabbath - The Ballet
comes to Birmingham Hippodrome this month.
A full-length, three-act, Ballet Now commission,
this brand-new work brings together a host of
international creatives including lead Swedish
choreographer Pontus Lidburg, Cuban designer
Alexandra Arrechea, Tony Award-winning composer
Christopher Austin with additional choreographers
Raúl Reinoso and Cassi Abranches and composers
Marko Nyberg and Sun Keting.
The ballet will feature eight Black Sabbath tracks
and the music will be re-orchestrated for the Royal
Ballet Sinfonia, with new compositions inspired by
Black Sabbath also performed live by the orchestra.
On the stage guitars and drums will be integrated
into the performance.
Black Sabbath - The Ballet is the second
Birmingham-focussed commission from Birmingham
Royal Ballet director Carlos Acosta. The first, City
of a Thousand Trades which looked at the city’s
industrial heritage and multicultural communities,
premiered in 2021.
For more information and ticket details visit
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
40 www.jaimemagazine.com

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WHAT: AUTUMN EVENTS
WHERE: NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM, ALREWAS
WHEN: SELECTED DAYS THROUGHOUT AUTUMN AND WINTER
As the autumn draws in and the trees turn from green
to gold, discover amazing things and inspiring stories
at the National Memorial Arboretum. Nestled among
150-acres of growing woodland and gardens are
more than 400 memorials that remember people from
all walks of life. Tales of camaraderie, inspirational
leaders, heroism, resilience shown in the darkest
moments, grit, bravery, and care; each memorial has
a powerful story to tell and visitors to the Arboretum
leave feeling uplifted and inspired.
The Arboretum has something for all visitors to
enjoy, from a large restaurant where you can get a
warming coffee and cake, to beautiful autumnal walks,
interesting free daily talks that help bring stories to
life, and memory making events and school holiday
activities. The Arboretum grounds also provide a quiet
year-round space for reflection and contemplation.
During November, public services of Remembrance
will be held on Armistice Day, November 11, and
Remembrance Sunday, November 12, as well as to
open the Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance
on November 3. All are encouraged to attend,
but due to the expected high visitor numbers it is
recommended that you book parking in advance of
your visit.
Towards the end of the year, from December 7 to
23, the Arboretum will once again host Illuminated
Arboretum, a fascinating winter light trail with a
brand-new route for 2023. Stretching for around a
mile, the trail features breathtaking light, mesmerising
sound and interactive installations suitable for all ages.
Advance pricing runs until 5 November so book soon
to avoid disappointment!
The Arboretum is free to enter and is open throughout
the year. The Arboretum is easily accessible by
road and is located just off the A38 between Burton
and Lichfield. Visit thenma.org.uk for further
information and to book.
42 www.jaimemagazine.com

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THE LUXURY
EVENT CRECHE
For your littlest V IPs
The Luxury Event Creche wants to bring your little VIPs
a pampered experience at your wedding or next big event!
Parents and guests can enjoy your special event, all while
knowing their children are in good hands. You can relax
knowing that all the children will be spoiled with fun and
games, run by a qualified primary school teacher.
Get in touch to discuss having The Luxury
Event Creche experience at your next event!
www.theluxuryeventcreche.co.uk
enquiries@theluxuryeventcreche.co.uk
@theluxuryeventcreche
The Luxury Event Creche

FA S H I O N
Fashion that lasts
AS THE FASHION WORLD’S ETHOS CONTINUES THE MOVE FROM FAST FADS TO BUYS
THAT LAST, MAKE THIS AUTUMN THE TIME TO INVEST IN SOME KEY WARDROBE PIECES
WHICH WILL BE YOUR STYLE CORNERSTONES FOR YEARS TO COME
IT was the late Dame Vivienne Westwood who extolled the
virtues of “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” And it was the
iconic designer’s maxim which played out as the main focus
of the autumn/winter catwalks, nearly a year after her death
in December 2022.
While it’s never been easier to get your fast fashion fix,
thanks to the endless stream of websites popping up to hawk
cheaply-made, mass-produced goods shipped to your door for
pennies, there’s a sense of rebellion in the air as timelessness
has overtaken trends as the watchword on the catwalks.
And with the environmental and ethical concerns raging
around fashion’s consumerism, we’re seeing a shift to a more
conscious approach to dressing. This season’s hottest trend?
Pared-back wardrobe staples in quality fabrics which you’ll
be able to return to season after season.
There are some things which never go out of style - a classic
white shirt, a black woollen coat, quality denim - and while
they may cost a little more to start, the investment will pay
off in the long run with minimal cost-per-wear over their
lifespan.
It may feel more cost effective to spend a fiver on a basic
white T-shirt, but when it’s shapeless, discoloured and
unwearable after after a only couple of washes, suddenly
the £50 T-shirt which fits like a dream, washes beautifully
and still looks brand new after years of wear doesn’t seem so
expensive.
And while it may feel like buying cheaply enables you to
update your style more often, there are certain wardrobe
items where it definitely pays to make an investment. The
classic winter coat, the wear-with-everything leather loafers,
the staple knee-high-boot; these are all items which you’ll
reach for time and time again, so opting for quality means
you’ll be able to enjoy your favourites for longer.
An investment wardrobe is something which can be built
up over time, so take a look at what you wear most and start
there, perhaps adding just one or two timeless pieces to your
arsenal each season. As well as looking and fitting better,
quality fabrics feel better to wear too, meaning you’ll get
more enjoyment out of your pricier pieces - and that’s surely
worth the investment.
BORDLEY KNIT MIDI
DRESS, £159, BARBOUR.
WWW.BARBOUR.COM
44 www.jaimemagazine.com

£239
£100
LEVI’S 501 STRAIGHT LEG
MID RISE JEANS.
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BARBOUR GRETA SHOWERPROOF
TRENCH COAT. WWW.BARBOUR.COM
£479
£145
£75
GOLDSMITH BLACK LOAFERS, DUNE
LONDON. WWW.DUNELONDON.COM
TEPI TAN KNEE-HIGH BOOTS, DUNE
LONDON. WWW.DUNELONDON.COM
CARRIE ROSE WOOL COAT,
IVY OAK AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
LINEN SHIRT £49, TWILL TROUSERS £39,
BELT £26 & SANDALS £69, ALL JOHN LEWIS.
WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM
THE WHITE COMPANY
CASHMERE JUMPER, £110.
WWW.THEWHITECOMPANY.COM

B E AU T Y
Secrets to nourishing dry skin
DRY SKIN IS FRUSTRATING AND UNCOMFORTABLE, AND CAN BE CAUSED BY A VARIETY OF
FACTORS INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES, AN INADEQUATE SKINCARE ROUTINE AND
AGEING. ROYAL FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE DEBORAH MITCHELL OFFERS
ADVICE ON ACHIEVING A HYDRATED AND HEALTHY COMPLEXION
What Is Dry Skin?
Our skin feels dry when the natural oils and water in our
epidermis diminish, leading to flakiness, uneven tone and
noticeable fine lines. Many of us suffer dryness as we get
older – especially as we head off menopause – because
ageing skin struggles to maintain hydration. You may
scratch your face a lot, so ditch products with harsh
chemical ingredients that only cause further irritation.
Instead chose organic skincare that rebalances, hydrates
and heals.
You may also find that your daily moisturiser alone
doesn’t help, so layer your products to ensure your skin
is protected. Serums, for example, penetrate deeper to
help rebalance your natural oils. Combine one with a
moisturiser rich in nutrients and antioxidants to provide
nourishment.
Top Tip For Dry Skin:
Tea and coffee won’t offer relief because they are both
diuretic. Tea contains tannins, once used to dry meat,
while coffee stimulates the kidneys. Water, and plenty of
it, is your best friend! Steer clear of salty and sugary treats
and alcohol, too. Go for hydration-boosting foods – like
watermelon, strawberries, peaches, oranges, cucumber –
that contain up to 95% water.
HEAVEN MUST-HAVES FOR DRY SKIN:
Hydro Cleansing Milk: This cleanser may be gentle
but it effectively removes impurities without stripping the
skin of its natural oils. Enriched with natural ingredients,
it nourishes and hydrates leaving your complexion feeling
refreshed and revitalised.
Chamomile Hydrogel: A clever blend of delicate
chamomile and Echinacea help normalise the skin,
while organic witch hazel reduces redness. It’s ideal for
controlling dryness, sensitivity issues, acne, rosacea and
eczema.
WillowBee Mask & Cleanse: Packed with botanical
goodness, it detoxes your skin, heals imperfection and
targets signs of ageing, thanks to the addition of natural
willow tree bark. Massage into your face after cleansing
and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Alternatively
you can apply before bedtime, leave overnight and wash
off the next morning.
Divine Cream: Suitable for all skin types, it works
particularly well on more mature complexions thanks to
its innovative anti-ageing properties. It’s bursting with
organic mandarin and orange to increase collagen and
elastin levels. And that adds up to a more youthful and
radiant complexion.
Age Defiance Cream: Use day and night to pep-up
dry skin, plump out fine lines and prevent breakouts as
its vitamin B content soothes irritation. Apply to clean
skin morning and evening, and for an extra beauty boost
combine with one of my serums.
Bee Polish: Exfoliation is crucial for dry skin as it helps
remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. My
Bee Polish gently exfoliates and provides moisture and
nourishment. It reveals a brighter, smoother complexion
and enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare
products.
SOS Oil Serum: This potent serum works wonders for
dry and dehydrated skin. It provides an intense moisture
boost, soothes irritation and restores natural radiance. It
can be used as a daily facial oil or as a targeted treatment
for dry patches.
Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell is available
from Heaven Health & Beauty, 13a Market Place,
Shifnal, Shropshire. You can also shop the range
online at heavenskincare.com.
46 www.jaimemagazine.com

I N T H E N E W S
Luxury for your little ones
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADD A FUN-FILLED PAMPERING EXPERIENCE FOR
YOUR LITTLEST VIPS AT YOUR WEDDING OR SPECIAL EVENT, THE LUXURY
EVENT CRECHE IS ON HAND TO OFFER ALL THIS AND MORE
Parents and guests can enjoy
your big day, all while knowing
their children are in good hands,
and you can relax knowing that
all the children at your event will
be spoiled with fun and games,
thanks to the services of The
Luxury Event Creche.
Founded by qualified primary
school teacher Jessica McCance-
Davis and events planner and
mum-of-two Rebekah Watson,
The Luxury Event Creche is the
perfect addition to your big day,
enabling parents and children
alike to enjoy your event to the
maximum.
You can pop your children in and out of the creche
throughout the day, allowing you and your guests to
spend time with them while enjoying the day. At the
creche, your children will be entertained with fun
games, dress up, and bespoke activities! You and your
guests can use this creche and keep your children
nearby, should you require an extra hug or two.
The joy of The Luxury Event Creche is that, as
a parent, you can relax and enjoy the wedding or
event you are at. The Creche is never far away
and knowing that Jess is a qualified primary school
teacher instantly puts your mind at rest.
The creche isn’t compulsory, meaning you can pop
your children in and out as you please. This way,
you can still enjoy the day with them, safe in the
knowledge that they have their own fun to keep them
occupied during the speeches!
The whole duration of the crèche is tailored to your
little VIPs and their ages. Jess and Becky will play
games, dress up, make their mealtime fun and it
will feel like an event all of their own. The children
will come away feeling like they have had their own
special experience that they will remember.
Jess and Becky also understand that you will have
spent months, maybe years, dreaming of your special
event, choosing your colour themes and carefully
planning every aspect of what the day will look
like. With that in mind, they will ensure the creche
complements your event décor perfectly.
The Luxury Event Creche is fully insured, DBS
checked, and all the staff have received mandatory
health and safety training, as well as first aid.
To find out how you and your little ones can both
receive the special treatment you deserve on such a
momentous occasion, reach out to Jess and Becky at
www.theluxuryeventcreche.co.uk or find The
Luxury Event Creche on social media.
The decision of whether children are invited or not,
doesn’t seem like such a difficult decision anymore!
www.jaimemagazine.com
47

I N T H E N E W S
A first class service for families
THE FAMILY-OWNED JUKES GROUP FUNERAL BUSINESSES HAVE UNITED
UNDER ONE ROOF AT THE COMPANY’S HEADQUARTERS IN LICHFIELD
One of the UK’s leading funeral suppliers - the
family-owned Jukes Group - has set up its company
headquarters in Lichfield. The decision means that the
family’s funeral businesses are now united under the
same roof.
The group has moved its headquarters to Tamworth
Street, from where the company’s six coffin and funeral
supplies factories are now run, sharing its new home
with Jukes Funeral Services.
Jukes Funeral Services has been providing its classleading
services to bereaved families in and around
Lichfield since 2017, with coffins and floristry all
supplied from the group’s family.
The Jukes Group can trace its roots back more than 70
years when brothers Derick and Dennis Jukes, who ran
a joinery business in Balsall Heath supplying the local
building trade, began making coffins for a local funeral
director and soon became the major coffin supplier in
the region.
The group is now run by Stewart Jukes, the son of
Derick, and his wife Katherine. Stewart joined the
business in 1981 as a bench hand, and worked his way
up to director. Under his leadership the business has
grown substantially.
Stewart and Katherine’s three daughters are also
involved in the family businesses: Sophie is owner and
managing director of Jukes Funeral Services; Jemma,
who qualified at the Covent Garden Academy of
Floristry, specialises in bespoke funeral floristry; while
Pip runs the company’s e-commerce and social media.
Sophie Jukes said: “From our offices in Lichfield we
are able to offer a first-class service for families, with a
focus on detail. Having control of funeral floristry and
THE JUKES FAMILY
MD SOPHIE JUKES
coffin supply gives us more control of the overall service
which can sometimes elude the larger providers.”
Jemma Jukes said funeral and sympathy flowers could
be a sensitive subject, but with the experience of her
family behind her she was able to advise on the most
appropriate floral tributes.
“As part of the process, we will discuss favourite colours
and flowers, even if it’s something out of the ordinary.
We are able to accommodate specific or unusual
requests appropriate for the deceased. After we have
agreed on the tributes, the client can have the peace
of mind from knowing that they will be perfect on the
day.”
Jukes Funeral Services opened its second funeral home
in Tamworth in 2018, and a third in Brownhills earlier
this year. All three branches offer the same level of
personal and professional service to the bereaved,
drawing on the family’s extensive experience in looking
after people at a difficult time in their lives.
Stewart Jukes said the move to Lichfield was the natural
thing to do as the family home was just outside the
city in Longdon Green, and the Jukes Funeral Services
funeral homes were headquartered in Lichfield.
The Jukes Group includes Midland Funeral Supplies
which has coffin-making facilities in West Bromwich,
Beverley in East Yorkshire, Upton-on-Severn in
Worcestershire, Plymouth and Perth and Annan in
Scotland.
For more details visit
www.jukesfuneralservices.com
48
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I N T H E N E W S
A successful first year
DAVISONS LAW LICHFIELD COMMEMORATED THEIR ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
WITH A DONATION OF £5,000 TO LOCAL CHARITY ST GILES HOSPICE
Davisons Law are proud to have celebrated the first
anniversary of the firm’s Lichfield office.
Located in Bore Street, the office has quickly made a
mark on the high street, gaining a strong reputation
among local estate agents and like-minded business
contacts, who were invited to attend the anniversary
celebration at the Lichfield office.
Davisons acquired the space in July 2022, with a focus
on the firm’s long-term strategy to consolidate its
position as the largest conveyancing practice in the
West Midlands, as verified by the latest Land Registry
Transaction data. One year on, Davisons Law now
has a dedicated team of highly experienced solicitors
based in Lichfield, providing advice on a range of legal
areas such as Residential Property (Buying and Selling),
Private Client, Wills and Estate Planning, Lasting
Powers of Attorney and Probate.
Director Helen Bartlam said: “Lichfield is a thriving
city and we’re excited to be able to be part of the local
community providing a wide range of legal expertise to
those in the area. One year on and it’s exciting to see
the success we’ve had so far. Our presence in Lichfield
has grown rapidly and I am excited to see what’s in
store for us in the years to come.’’
As part of the celebration, Davisons were proud to
donate £5,000 to St. Giles Hospice. St Giles is a charity
which helped more than 7,000 people with an incurable
illness last year. The donation from the firm is to be put
towards providing support for these individuals, as well
as offering bereavement support to those who are in
need.
Following the donation, Davisons have partnered with
St Giles on their charity drive March of the Elephants
to help raise vital funds for the hospice.
Associate director Witney Tully commented on the
donation: ‘‘It is a privilege to have such a good working
relationship with a great charity like St Giles. The work
they do is superb, and we thought that there would be
no better way to celebrate our one-year anniversary
than making such a worthwhile donation to a great
cause.’’
DAVISONS LAW
CELEBRATED THEIR FIRST
ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR
LICHFIELD OFFICE
50
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